Outbreak of salmonella in eggs leads to the withdrawal of 1.5 million boxes from the market
An outbreak of salmonella, linked to contaminated eggs, is being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. To date, 98 cases of the disease and 26 hospitalizations have been reported in 17 states. The source of the contamination was traced to an egg producer in Texas, and a large-scale recall was initiated on August 5, 2026. Even with the recall, many families may still have affected eggs in their refrigerators, requiring attention.
It is essential that consumers understand the details about this occurrence and the urgent measures that can be taken to ensure food safety in their homes.
Understand salmonella: what it is and how the infection occurs
Salmonella is a type of bacteria responsible for causing the disease known as salmonellosis. Infection usually occurs when people ingest the bacteria, which reside in the intestines of humans and animals. According to the CDC, exposure to bacteria can occur in several ways, including contaminated food or water, as well as contact with animals, their feces or the environments where they live. However, most cases in the United States, including this recent outbreak, are associated with food contamination, specifically eggs.
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Although there are several types of Salmonella, a small proportion are responsible for most illnesses in humans. The incidence of infections tends to increase in the summer months, as the hotter climate and lack of adequate refrigeration create conditions conducive to the development of bacteria. It’s important to know that the CDC estimates that only one in 30 Salmonella infections is actually diagnosed, as many people mistake the symptoms for common food poisoning and choose to treat the problem at home. Salmonellosis usually causes symptoms that last four to seven days.
Important details about the current salmonella outbreak linked to eggs
Public health authorities in several states are investigating an outbreak of salmonella linked to eggs, reporting 98 people sick and 26 hospitalized in 17 states so far, with no reported deaths. The source of the contamination was identified as Midwest Poultry Services, LP, a producer located in Texas that recalled more than 1.5 million dozen eggs after analyzes indicated possible contamination.
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The recalled packages — sold under brands such as Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Cal-Maine and Country Morning — were distributed to commercial and food service establishments in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and New Mexico. The affected products were sold in various sizes, from 6 to 60 eggs, and have expiration dates between July 20 and August 17, 2026, with packaging codes P-1950 or 0840962, according to information from the CDC.
On the same topic: Deadly bacteria risk prompts recall of frozen blueberries in the United States and Canada
If you have eggs with the characteristics described in your refrigerator, the guidance is clear: discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase. Furthermore, it is crucial to sanitize all surfaces and utensils that may have come into contact with these eggs, using hot water and soap, or washing them in the dishwasher.
In a separate incident, Chipotle decided on its own initiative to remove jalapeños from its restaurants nationwide following a possible connection to a salmonella outbreak that affected more than 100 people in Minnesota.
Essential measures to protect yourself against salmonella infection
It is possible to adopt several practices at home to significantly reduce the risk of contracting salmonella. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) points to the following actions as the most effective to ensure food safety:
- Quickly cool food: Never leave eggs, chicken meat or leftover meals out of the refrigerator for a long time, especially during periods of intense heat, when bacteria proliferate more quickly.
- Cook eggs and chicken thoroughly: Eggs and poultry must reach an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius to ensure the elimination of Salmonella bacteria. A cooking thermometer can be useful for checking the temperature of the bird and ensuring proper cooking.
- Wash your hands rigorously: Wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw eggs, poultry meat or fresh vegetables, and always before preparing or consuming food. This measure is crucial to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
- Sanitize surfaces: Use disinfectants on countertops, refrigerator shelves and any other surfaces or items that come into contact with eggs or raw meats. The CDC recommends a homemade solution of one teaspoon of liquid bleach for every gallon of clean water, or the use of commercial disinfectant products.
- Track product recalls: Stay informed about food recall notices and discard or return any product that matches the descriptions in the safety notices.
- Wash vegetables and fruits: Rinse items like jalapeños and other fresh vegetables thoroughly before eating them, even if you intend to cook them later.
